Semmens was attracted to Hughes’s gay lover, Hamish Morgan, and the three became close friends, the jury was told.

She knew Hughes had been convicted for raping a boy of six and hoped providing him with children would clear the way for her and Mr Morgan to be together. Both men moved in next door to Semmens – but it was only when

Hughes’s flat was raided that police realised he had preyed on children under her care.

His computer had indecent images of two other boys she looked after, police said.

Semmens admitted two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and possessing indecent images.

Hughes, of Cardiff, admitted two counts of rape and possessing indecent images.